A Guide to Film and TV Cosplay

by Holly Swinyard

Overview

"This guide offers background information about how contemporary cosplay has developed as well as nuts and bolts practical information for those wishing to start or continue participation in the hobby." — Booklist

Have you ever wanted to escape into a comic book and become your favorite superhero? Or run away into the world of Disney princesses? Well, who says you can’t? Maybe it’s time you get your cosplay on!

Cosplay is a hobby that is sweeping the globe, you can see it at comic cons, book launches, movie screenings and even on popular TV shows such as The Big Bang Theory and Community. A mix of exciting craft skills, heady escapism and passion for pop culture, it’s easy to see why cosplay has become so popular with people no matter who they are, because now they can be anyone they want, and so can you.

But how, why and where could you have a go at starting out in the wonderful world of cosplay?

With a little bit of help from this handy, dandy guide to cosplay, you can get stuck in. Learn about the history of the hobby (it’s been around longer than you’d think!), get your head around picking your first costume, find out how about all the amazing skills people are using to make these costumes, and perhaps even try a few yourself. Who knows, you might be rocking out as Captain Marvel or Flynn Rider at the next big comic con! (And don’t worry, there’s a guide to comic con in here too.)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781399020473
Publisher:	Pen and Sword
Publication date:	10/30/2023
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	1,083,543
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.30(d)

About the Author

A cosplayer and lover of all things 'geek' since they were 15, Holly Rose Swinyard is now a pop culture journalist and editor, running the cosplay magazine, The Cosplay Journal. They have also written on cosplay, pop culture and the need for 'escapist play for adults' for national publications and on BBC Radio 4. It would be a shock to find them any where but their sewing machine, or scrawling notes for the next exciting project.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 6

Section 1 What is Cosplay? 7

Introduction 7

What is Cosplay? Looking into the Hobby 8

History of Cosplay 20

Costume Pre-1900 21

1900-1950s 23

1960-1990s 30

2000 to Present 38

Different Types of Costuming - An Intersectional Subculture 45

Alternative Fashion 52

Section 2 Character and Design 56

Getting into Character 56

Reasons for Picking your First Character to Cosplay 57

Reference, Review, Repeat 66

Finding Images 66

Is it Secret? Is it Safe? 70

Always Ask for Help 71

Accuracy vs Modification: The Big Fight 72

Section 3 Making Cosplay and What Happens Next 78

Sewing - Fabric, Patterns and More 78

Armour Making - Foam, Thermoplastics and Beyond 89

Buying, Commissioning and Modifying 97

Buying and Modifying Clothing 100

Conventions - What Should you Expect? 102

Cosplay is not Consent 109

Self-care in Cosplay 110

Little Extras 116

References and Further Reading 119

Image Copyrights 122

Editorial Reviews

"This guide offers background information about how contemporary cosplay has developed as well as nuts and bolts practical information for those wishing to start or continue participation in the hobby.

Booklist

★ 07/02/2021

This book gives an overview of the most fundamental topics pertaining to cosplay, including its history, cultural significance, recent growth in popularity, and controversies, along with some practical knowledge for readers looking to create their first costume for a convention. Swinyard proves to be an excellent researcher (as evinced by the extensive list of citations she provides) who can teach even seasoned cosplayers a thing or two. Additionally, the book's photographs are exceptionally appealing and represent cosplayers of various levels of experience, rather than just those most proficient in the craft. From a practical standpoint, Swinyard's guide also excels for its organization; readers drawn to the book will easily be able to identify the information they are searching for, regardless of their interest in either the cultural or practical aspects of the topic. VERDICT Swinyard captures the ethos of cosplay and its significance, particularly in marginalized communities. Highly recommended for any nonfiction collection.—Thomas Beheler, Arlington P.L., VA

Library Journal